Septimus unlikely to go for Leger

Aidan O’Brien has all but ruled leading ante-post fancy Septimus out of the Ladbrokes St Leger at York on Saturday week.

Winner of the Dante Stakes on the Knavesmire in May, the son of Sadler’s Wells has not been seen since finishing a distant 12th behind Sir Percy in the Vodafone Derby over two months ago.

Speaking at Goodwood today, O’Brien said: “Septimus is by no means definite for the St Leger, in fact it is very likely he won’t run.”

In his absence, O’Brien is likely rely on Fire And Rain, who took sixth in the Great Voltigeur on his first start of the season and only his second in total at York last week.

The third horse that day, Puerto Rico, is another possibility along with Saturday’s Curragh winner Tusculum and Mountain.

“All being well Fire And Rain will definitely run. He has had some small problems this year and as long as he stays fine he will run.

“Puerto Rico, Mountain and Tusculum are all also possibles,” he said.

The Ballydoyle trainer also stated that Irish Derby winner Dylan Thomas is likely to be given another chance to prove himself over 10 furlongs after disappointing in the Juddmonte International last Tuesday.

O’Brien added: “Dylan will go for the Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday week.”